Elaine Helen Ghiz

GHIZ, Elaine Helen – 73 – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Elaine Helen Ghiz on October 5, 2012 at the QEII Health Sciences Center with her family at her side. She fought a hard battle with her illness over the last year and a half, never complaining much during this struggle, a true warrior till the end. Born in Kfeir, Lebanon on May 7, 1939, Elaine was the eldest daughter and second child of five to Toufic and Nashla Lawen. Elaine grew up in Kfeir and moved to Beirut to complete high school. After high school, she completed two years of a teaching diploma at the College of the Good Shepherd, prior to immigrating to Canada with her family in January 1959. There she met her future husband (the late George Michael Ghiz) in the spring of that first year in Halifax. George and Elaine married on Oct. 17, 1959 and moved to Drumheller, Alberta. They returned to Halifax in 1963 to be close to their families, and to receive support in raising their young family. Elaine was a caring, loving sister to her siblings and devoted to her family in so many ways, the highlight of which was always ensuring there were plenty of home-cooked meals for everyone. She was also a skilled seamstress and gardener during the years of raising her young family. In 1970, she and George took their young family to Lebanon and her home town Kfeir to give them a taste of their heritage and humble beginnings. Elaine was a very kind, loving, forgiving, genuine, hard-working, happy mother and wife, non-demanding and always encouraging her children to live their lives to their fullest. She loved to laugh and her laughter was contagious to those around her. She lived life with an innocence and grace only those closest to her can now see. Our mother left us too soon – shortly after the birth of her first grandson Jacob. There were too many things yet to be done and memories to be created. She will be profoundly and forever missed by her four children, who came to know, understand, appreciate, and love her unconditionally for her unceasing kindness. Elaine is survived by daughters Angela Ghiz ( Paul MacNutt) and Mona Ghiz, sons Isaac and Louie (Andrea Darnbrough), grandson Jacob, brothers Jack Lawen, George (Genevieve) Lawen, Joseph (Elyssar) Lawen, sister Mona Khoury, and 19 nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home on 2666 Windsor Street on Tuesday, Oct. 9th from 4 - 7pm. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 10th at 1:30pm at St. Theresa’s Church on North Street with reception to follow. Online condolences may be made at www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com.